Police warning after car park distraction thefts in Exeter

Police are warning the public to be on the lookout following a number of distraction thefts in supermarket carparks around Exeter.

During the past three weeks, police have received reports of seven incidents of distraction thefts in the area, all matching the same description; so far around £1,000 in cash has been stolen from victims.

PCSO Ben Turner, said: “There is an emerging crime series occurring in carparks across Exeter, we have incidents which have taken place in the carparks at The Range Carpark on Water Lane, an incident at Southernay east car park near the church, plus three at the Waitrose carpark.

“The most recent took place at Alphington Road, Sainsburys, on Saturday the 5th of August at around 4pm.

“So far all these incidents are believed to have been linked. A smartly dressed man is targeting lone older women and men, and pretends that he needs change for the ticket machine.

“During these exchanges, he will attempt to distract his victim by pointing and attempting to touch the change in their purse or wallet, whilst doing this he is actually taking notes from them and makes off before the victim realises what has taken place.

“We are reviewing CCTV, but have only managed to partial identify a suspect. We believe the man responsible is always dressed smartly, either in a suit or a smart blazer type jacket and possibly has greying hair on his temples and has a strong Eastern European accent. He is aged between 40-50 years old, around 5”10 in height, medium build and may possible drive a Vauxhall.

“We want to both warn the public so they don’t fall victim to this type of theft, and also appalling for information to help us locate the person or people responsible.

Anyone with any information is asked contact 101@dc.police.uk quoting crime reference CR/065557/17. You can also give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.